How to Use a Self Propelled Wheelchair
Wheelchairs provide mobility and independence to people with limitations in walking. It is essential to know how to maneuver your chair and consult with a therapist or occupational doctor to train you in this area.
Many people maneuver their wheelchairs using a technique known as "wheelies". The user must have big hands in order to reach the rims and have enough grip strength to propel it forward.
Seating Position
Self-propelled wheelchairs allow users to travel on their own and not be dependent on others. This is the key for many to regaining their independence, or keeping it. It also reduces the risk of injury to both the wheelchair user and others around them.
It is essential that the seat position is comfortable for wheelchair users. To accomplish this, there are many things you can do. First, ensure that the footplates are in the right position. Release the footrest latch and move the footrests so they are directly in front of the chair. Make sure that the wheelchair user's feet are placed comfortably on the footplates.
It is possible to lower the footrest height especially if the person is hemiplegic. If the footrests aren't high enough, they can cause increased pressure on the seat bones and increase pain and discomfort.
A forehead strap can assist the wheelchair user to stay upright, especially if their neck muscles are weak. They can be fitted to wheelchairs with no headrests by a mobility expert.
If the wheelchair has armrests it is important to ensure they are in a proper position so that the wheelchair user is able to move without hitting their arms when they move. It is recommended to use a wheelchair with swing-away or movable armrests to accomplish this. Alternatively, foam inserts can be cut and put on the armrest's back to elevate them to a more comfortable height.
It is also crucial that the wheelchair has a properly-fitting cushion, particularly if a wheelchair user is at a high risk of skin breakdown or pressure ulcers. These are because pressure ulcers are caused by friction between the skin and the surfaces of a wheelchair. In some instances, the skin can become dry and irritated from sitting in the same position for long periods of time. This can also cause blisters. Repositioning the wheelchair frequently will reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Pushing
Self-propelled wheelchairs let users move themselves independently and without the need for a person to push them. They are much easier to maneuver than other wheelchairs because they have larger rear wheels as well as pushing handles fitted to them. They can travel on many surfaces without worrying about tripping over obstacles or getting stuck.
As you move forwards with your chair, take care not to hold the handle too tightly. Applying too much pressure can cause your hands to cramp and reduce the amount of force you can apply. You might also find it useful to wear a handrim protector or wheelchair gloves with grip material built into the palms. This will help improve your hand position and increase the force you can apply.
Keep the front casters free of debris, such as sticks or rocks. This material could make it difficult to maneuver your wheelchair as you think. It could cause an increase in control or injury. If you have a high seat-to-floor height, it might be beneficial to purchase extra padding on the front casters.
It is recommended that a caregiver push the wheelchair to assist you climb a steep hill or just a tiny step. If you'd like to do this yourself, you'll need more training and practice under the supervision of a health professional. When you do this, it is essential that you position the wheelchair directly facing (perpendicular to) the curb or small step and place the front wheels near the curb's edge.
It is essential to have enough space in front of you when pushing up an uphill. This will stop you from crashing into other people. You'll speed up quickly when you don't have enough space in front of you. You could also crash with someone else. You can prevent this from happening by being aware of other people who are around you on the slope. Also, have an adult or caregiver available to catch you if you start to fall from your wheelchair.
Braking
To ensure that the wheelchair is secure users must perform the braking and steering actions in a specific way. This is particularly crucial when the chair is situated on a slope as the centre of gravity can move forward if braking is not done in a controlled manner.
When pushing a wheelchair, make sure that the hand is in the correct position, ideally at 10 clock (10:00) on the wheel and released at two clock (2:00). This ensures that the majority of the body weight is over the rear wheels and allows for the smoothest, easiest push. self propelled wheelchairs for sale near me mymobilityscooters.uk helps maintain the strength of the elbow, shoulder and wrist joints.
To turn right in a wheelchair, push forward on the right rim, then pull back on the left hand rim. This will turn the wheelchair right, allowing you to stay sitting. Wheelchairs can also be fitted with anti-tip bars that prevent them from tipping backwards.
Consult the user guide that comes with your wheelchair to determine the maximum safe slope your chair can traverse. In some situations, the wheelchair might need to be temporarily removed and hand operated to overcome steep slopes. In this instance it is recommended you seek out a friend or family member for help and follow the steps in the User Guide.
It is recommended to use ramps when you are negotiating the kerbstones. This will decrease the pressure that is required on the front and rear tyres and allow you to travel over the kerb with greater speed. Many manual wheelchairs have an option to climb the kerb which can aid in this process. It increases the capacity of the wheelchair to climb by 10cm (4")
To stop a wheelchair, push the joystick towards you to release the motor, and then release it gently brakes. The wheelchair will stop and you can take off the footrests or make walking aids before leaving the chair.
Steering
When using a self propelled wheelchair the user is responsible for steering and controlling. This can be done in a variety of ways, dependent on the structure of the wheelchair and any accessories such as armrests or drink/phone holders. Wheelchairs vary in structure and size, as well as weight. The size of the front casters, for example, can decide the type of terrain a wheelchair is able to manage. Small casters enable wheelchairs to move more quickly, but it can be difficult with rough surfaces such as cobblestone or grass. Large casters allow a wheelchair to move over rough surfaces, but the chair won't be as swift.
On smooth surface that is level, the wheelchair user should push the wheels with both hands to maintain the momentum. This is accomplished by gripping the rims of the hand and pushing with a uniform hand. The hands shouldn't be wrapped around the rims of your hand in order to avoid injury and can result in over-corrections (fish-tailing) as the chair turns a corner. It is also recommended that the user of a wheelchair experiment with leaning forward and backwards to different degrees in order to find an optimal balance between lean and control.
For more difficult or difficult terrain, the wheelchair user should prepare for obstacles and plan ahead. It is crucial that the user of the wheelchair look over their shoulders frequently to prevent running into objects or other people. Likewise, when they travel with a caregiver, they should make sure that they are able to help when required. If the wheelchair is going to be used on the slope, it should be assisted or driven by an adult until the user is familiar with this.
To turn the wheelchair, the user needs to pull one hand rim inwards while pushing the other rim back. It is best to practice on a flat, smooth surface before moving onto any other surface. The motion can be uncomfortable, and the wheelchair could slide over if not properly mastered. The power wheels of the wheelchair can help ease the pressure on the user and also make turning easier. It is also beneficial to know that even well-meaning but untrained people often attempt to push someone in the wheelchair against their will, which is why the wheelchair user should make sure that their handle handles fold down or cover them with handles covers.